Springbok team gets new sponsor, Unilever

John Smit and Marijn van Tiggelen

International rugby captain, John Smit and Unilever chair, Marijn van Tiggelen planted an umzimbeet tree in the Unilever office gardens in Durban to celebrate the signing of the agreement.

"The group has been in South Africa for over 100 years and we are proud to show our support for the Springboks," said van Tiggelen. "Nowhere is the efficacy of a grooming product put to the test more than on the sports field." This sponsorship is also in line with the group's target of doubling its business, while reducing its environmental impact.

Mark Alexander, the SARU deputy president said the organisation was delighted to welcome such a household name to Springboks' sponsorship portfolio. "This year we have signed a few significant sponsorship agreements for the Springboks and the addition of an established company such as Unilever shows us the Springbok brand is very healthy."

The signing of the agreement took place on Thursday, 14 July 2011.